Jadeveon Clowney had a career season in 2016, but even coming off of a successful campaign, the Houston Texans outside linebacker doesn't have to think too far back to find motivation to keep getting better.

“I keep [a chip] on my shoulder," Clowney said. "I know where I was a couple years ago, Brian Cushing Jerseyshow people talked about me. So every day I step on the field, I just take that and put it in the back of my head and grind and work through everything I got going on that day.

“I don’t care what’s going on or how the weather is or how the day’s been, DeAndre Hopkins Jerseyshow my body feels -- I just come here to work. When I’m on the field, J.J. Watt Jerseysjust get the work in and then go about my business, play on and take care of myself.”

Clowney was the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL draft, but he missed 12 games in 2014 and three more in 2015 due to injury. And when he couldn't stay on the field, he heard time and time again that he was a wasted pick. He heard that people were calling him a bust.

Clowney says he thinks he will always keep that chip on his shoulder for motivation, Jadeveon Clowney Jerseysbut the success he had last season has helped as well. In 2016, Clowney had a career-high six sacks and 52 tackles, including 16 for loss. His breakout year came at an important time for the Texans, Lamar Miller Jerseyswho were without three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, who was put on injured reserve three games into the season after he reinjured his back.

Playing well last season, Clowney said, not only has left him hungry for more success but also has boosted his confidence.